Learn to LOVE Rejection (like Jia Jiang) 100 Days of Rejection

Learn to LOVE Rejection (like Jia Jiang) 100 Days of Rejection Jia Jiang is working on a project where he is trying to have 100 rejections.  He comes up with ridiculously crazy requests thinking people will say NO WAY, videos them, and then shares on his blog: Entresting.com I learned about him when he didnt get rejected by the Krispy Kreme employee who said YES.  Video way below. As a job seeker I think we feel like we are living the 100+ days of rejection, right?  Jia is having a lot of fun doing this because there really isnt anything to lose. But as a job seeker, getting rejected means you might not be able to pay your bills, and a whole lot more (one of my favorite blog posts on this here).  It seems that EVERYTHING depends on NOT getting rejected, right? Theres a great Yahoo/Bloomberg/Businessweek article titled Rejection Therapy: A Hundred Days of No that talks about Jias project.  My buddy Marty Nemko, who interviewed me on his radio show, was quoted a few times. Read that article its juicy and great.  I know some of us are trained, like salespeople, to think: Each NO means Im closer to a YES! In other words, embrace the NO because that means you are getting closer to a YES. I think thats good advice, but for the person who keeps getting nos, that doesnt help much. At the end of the Yahoo article are four points, which I like: 1. Don’t look on the bright side 2. Accept that you’re not perfect 3. Watch out for paranoia 4. Try not to be a jerk The article breaks each of those four down. So, should we embrace the NOs?  Or is that too PolyAnna? I think we should. but HOW, when the stakes seem so high? Learn to LOVE Rejection (like Jia Jiang) 100 Days of Rejection Jia Jiang is working on a project where he is trying to have 100 rejections.  He comes up with ridiculously crazy requests thinking people will say NO WAY, videos them, and then shares on his blog: Entresting.com I learned about him when he didnt get rejected by the Krispy Kreme employee who said YES.  Video way below. As a job seeker I think we feel like we are living the 100+ days of rejection, right?  Jia is having a lot of fun doing this because there really isnt anything to lose. But as a job seeker, getting rejected means you might not be able to pay your bills, and a whole lot more (one of my favorite blog posts on this here).  It seems that EVERYTHING depends on NOT getting rejected, right? Theres a great Yahoo/Bloomberg/Businessweek article titled Rejection Therapy: A Hundred Days of No that talks about Jias project.  My buddy Marty Nemko, who interviewed me on his radio show, was quoted a few times. Read that article its juicy and great.  I know some of us are trained, like salespeople, to think: Each NO means Im closer to a YES! In other words, embrace the NO because that means you are getting closer to a YES. I think thats good advice, but for the person who keeps getting nos, that doesnt help much. At the end of the Yahoo article are four points, which I like: 1. Don’t look on the bright side 2. Accept that you’re not perfect 3. Watch out for paranoia 4. Try not to be a jerk The article breaks each of those four down. So, should we embrace the NOs?  Or is that too PolyAnna? I think we should. but HOW, when the stakes seem so high? Learn to LOVE Rejection (like Jia Jiang) 100 Days of Rejection Jia Jiang is working on a project where he is trying to have 100 rejections.  He comes up with ridiculously crazy requests thinking people will say NO WAY, videos them, and then shares on his blog: Entresting.com I learned about him when he didnt get rejected by the Krispy Kreme employee who said YES.  Video way below. As a job seeker I think we feel like we are living the 100+ days of rejection, right?  Jia is having a lot of fun doing this because there really isnt anything to lose. But as a job seeker, getting rejected means you might not be able to pay your bills, and a whole lot more (one of my favorite blog posts on this here).  It seems that EVERYTHING depends on NOT getting rejected, right? Theres a great Yahoo/Bloomberg/Businessweek article titled Rejection Therapy: A Hundred Days of No that talks about Jias project.  My buddy Marty Nemko, who interviewed me on his radio show, was quoted a few times. Read that article its juicy and great.  I know some of us are trained, like salespeople, to think: Each NO means Im closer to a YES! In other words, embrace the NO because that means you are getting closer to a YES. I think thats good advice, but for the person who keeps getting nos, that doesnt help much. At the end of the Yahoo article are four points, which I like: 1. Don’t look on the bright side 2. Accept that you’re not perfect 3. Watch out for paranoia 4. Try not to be a jerk The article breaks each of those four down. So, should we embrace the NOs?  Or is that too PolyAnna? I think we should. but HOW, when the stakes seem so high?

Coachology Point your legal career in the right direction

Coachology Point your legal career in the right direction My dad is a lawyer-turned-history-teacher who wants to go back to being a lawyer. His career change has been tumultuous, and at this point, he is distressed that his Harvard law degree doesnt open doors like it used to. Forty years ago. So he did what everyone in my family does when theres a career problem: He called me. And I called Stephen Seckler, who is a recruiter for attorneys at BCG. I only know Stephen from his blog, Counsel to Counsel, which I really like, and from post he wrote here at Brazen Careerist titled 5 Myths About Going to Law School. I like Stephen because he understands that the legal profession is limited in terms of flexibility, but he has a lot of ideas for how to make that mesh with personal growth and common core values. I explained to Stephen that my dad is really lost and needs someone to help him understand what his options are. I was nervous to have my dad talk with someone I knew only professionally. What if my dad sounded like a nutcase or something? (And speaking of nutcases, I reminded my dad ten times that on this phone call he must refer to me as Penelope.) Stephen was so helpful to my dad. He showed my dad his strengths for the marketplace, he showed my dad alternative opportunities that most people wouldnt think of for lawyers, and, most of all, he made my dad feel a little more in control of his destiny, and I think, in the end, thats what we all want from our career plans. Stephen is a very practical guy, and hes great at seeing ways around problems that other people dont see. For example, I once asked him how lawyers can get out of working long hours. He had five good ideas, but one of them really resonated because I can use it in my own life, right now its the idea that the most exciting, in-the-fray work is usually also the most demanding of all your time, and we need to be conscious of that when were picking our specialty So, this is a taste of the kind of advice Stephen gives. He is a legal recruiter, but in the past he has also been a career coach, and that combination makes him a uniquely useful resource. So you can get 90 free minutes with Stephen. You can use it to make yourself more appealing as a candidate in the legal field, you can use it to get advice on how to slow down or ramp up. This is a good opportunity for a lawyer who needs to fine tune how things are going, or for someone who is trying to figure out if law school is a good decision. Please send three sentences about how youd like Stephen to help you, and hell pick someone to work with. Deadline is Sunday, July 22. Need help realizing your career goals? Want to talk to Penelope directly? Penelope now offers 1 on 1 career coaching and can help you take the right path.

Level Up Your Life and Career as a Working Mom (+ 18 Self-Care Ideas) - Classy Career Girl

Level Up Your Life and Career as a Working Mom (+ 18 Self-Care Ideas) When half of your time is spent wiping butts and the other half is invested in growing your business I get you. The two most important things in life: my family and my business. Oh, and myself. Some of the time. When you get wrapped up in literally taking care of your entire world, its easy to forget about yourself. Especially when you’ve been working all day, and come home to tiny feet running around the house followed by, “Mommy, I want a snack.” As soon as you walk through the door, mommy mode kicks in.  Taking care of kids, dishes, laundry, and your regular pick-up everything on the floor routine.  You hustle until it’s bedtime stories, and kisses good night. And once they’re tucked in bed, you’re left wondering what to do with the little energy you have left. Level Up Your Life and Career as a Working Mom (+ 18 Self-Care Ideas) Oh, Ill take a shower in the morning instead. Did I seriously forget to eat dinner tonight AGAIN?” We’re investing all of our energy into our careers, our lifestyle and children, and are in total “give” mode.  The truth is, being selfless is a beautiful thing, but it can also be a curse. We become so selfless that we give, give, give and give some more until we have nothing else left.  Nothing for ourselves, nothing for our kids, nothing for anything or anyone else. Then we break down. The breakdowns look something like this: Zoning out when life is vibrantly happening all around you. Laying on the couch (or in bed) all day because you just. cant. deal. Avoiding everything and everyone. Feeling like things will never get better. Feeling like youre worn thin (because you are). Not having interest in things you love, because your brain is pretty fried from overload. Were skipping lunches, spending most of our time helping others, waking up late because we stayed up too long working the night before, and forgetting to take time to get ourselves ready.   We dont even see how it takes its toll on us until its all piled on top, suffocating us. Which is why taking care of yourself could be the biggest missing link in your life puzzle right now. Think about it for a minute Whens the last time you put your own needs before someone elses? Self-care isnt a dirty word.  Its not a luxury.  Its not a once-a-month random trip to get your nails done. Its a lifestyle, a daily practice, and a necessary piece of your day.  Its the most unselfish, giving-back-to-others thing you can do.  And you never really realized it. It doesnt pop up on your iCalendar randomly, at a convenient time.  Self-care doesnt present itself and ask you to take it up on its offer.  Its a constant, and conscious choice that you make to take care of yourself so that you can have the massive energy you need to do what makes you happy. Imagine if you woke up in the morning to take care of yourself, instead of waking up for work. Imagine if you took a nap, because you really freaking needed it, and you didnt feel bad about yourself after. Imagine if you woke up a few minutes early to take care of yourself, and you made yourself a nutritious and delicious breakfast for YOU (and enjoyed it quietly!?) [RELATED: Taking Care of Ms. CEO: Make Time for Self-Care, Passion, Fun] Imagine that you reached out to someone to meet up, just because they inspire you and make you feel like a better person. AND you even invested in some child care for a few hours! If you’re ready to up-level your career and life, take time for yourself every day for self-care. Self-care for the working mom doesn’t have to be a laborious, lavish thing.  It’s the choice you make, every day, to take care of yourself a little better.  A choice to fill your soul, so you can share your beautiful gifts with the world. 18 Self-Care Ideas for Working Moms 1. Take a nap. Sleep is a renewing process for your body, mind, and spirit. 2. Meditate in a sacred space. 3. Take a bath filled with Epsom salts, essential oils, and maybe even a bath bomb. 4. Give yourself a massage with a massage hook and oil. 5. Go for a nature walk infuse yourself with the earth while giving yourself sunlight (much needed for a mental boost). 6. Read something for joy not to be better at your job, or to be a better parent, or to be a better partner read something that brings you JOY. Something that sets your soul on fire. 7. Drink a hot, delicious cup of herbal tea for a mood boost. 8. Have a beautiful lunch with someone who brings you joy and leaves you feeling happy. 9. Share a brilliant idea with someone who inspires you to take action. 10. Spend 5 minutes in the morning, saying positive affirmations in the mirror. 11. Give something to someone in need out of kindness the action of spreading wealth and kindness comes in full circle, friend. 12. Yoga because it feels amazing, makes you feel good, and is mentally stimulating. 13. Grab a smoothie, fancy green juice, or delicious cup of coffee with someone you love. 14. Go outside and play with your kids give yourself FULL permission to immerse yourself in their world and let go of your career obligations, work that needs to be done, and definitely get rid of all electronics. Just PLAY. 15. Chat with your favorite coach or therapist that pumps you up, gives you clarity, and brings you joy. 16. Invest in something for yourself that promotes growth, clarity, and happiness. 17. Buy yourself something that makes you feel strong and beautiful. 18. Call someone you love, that you seem to never see.  Let them know how important they are to you.  Watch your spirit fill with joy, and release any guilt you may have held on to.

Dont Let a Layoff Catch You Off Guard - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Dont Let a Layoff Catch You Off Guard - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The other day while at work, a friend of mine grabbed some papers from the fax machine and noticed a resume submission for her job. A few days later, she observed her boss interviewing the person for a job. Putting two and two together, she determined that her job was in trouble. In a preemptive effort, she met with her boss to let him know she liked her job and that if he had any concerns to please let her know. After hemming and hawing, he told her there were no guarantees. This is the state of jobs today. Employers don’t feel loyalty toward their employees. My friend had never been told her work was substandard, and yet, for some reason, her boss decided she was expendable. Most employees are unprepared for a layoff, not only financially, but professionally as well. In these uncertain times, it pays to be prepared for a job layoff. Here are some tips to help you be ready in case you experience a layoff. 1. Do your best work. Being a valuable employee is the best way to avoid a layoff, but it’s no guarantee. With that said, good work can lead to positive letters of reference or referrals that can speed up the process of finding a new job. 2.  Create a personal brand.   Broken down into its essence, your personal brand defines your strengths and principles in terms of your value to your employer or future employers. Knowing your brand makes it easier to convey your qualities in a resume. 3. Keep your resume up-to-date. While a resume lists your job experience, it’s also the place to describe leadership roles, such as taking the lead on a project, awards and recognition, and courses or additional certifications in your field. Keeping your resume current means you can get it out to potential employers quickly. 4. Stay connected with your professional network. Richard N. Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute, reports that networking is one of, if not the most effective way to find a job. Professional associations and LinkedIn offer ways to stay connected with your network, share your personal brand and, if necessary, find a new job. 5. Sharpen and expand your skills. Your job may not have required you to stay current on skills or trends, which can be a problem when looking for work.  Research online and engage your network to learn what skills you can sharpen or learn to improve your job marketability. My friend didn’t wait around to see if she was going to be laid off. Over the years, she stayed in touch with a previous employer, so she called him up and learned he was looking to fill a position she was qualified to do. After a talk with HR at her former employer, she was offered the job and is now preparing to give notice to her current employer. She wouldn’t have been prepared to move so quickly if  she hadn’t kept her resume current or her network intact. But since she was prepared, she was able to take charge and “layoff” her employer instead of the other way around. Author: Leslie Truex  is a career design expert who has been helping people find or create work that fits their lifestyle goals since 1998 through her  website Work-At-Home Success. She is the author of “The Work-At-Home Success Bible” and “Jobs Online: How To Find a Get Hired to a Work-At-Home Job”. She speaks regularly on career-related topics including telecommuting and home business.

What Software Skills Should I Put on My Resume For a Technical Writing Job?

What Software Skills Should I Put on My Resume For a Technical Writing Job?If you're a college student, or a recent graduate, you probably need to look at what software skills should I put on my resume for a technical writing job. The first thing you should know is that the career field of technical writing is a very demanding one. You will need to show your employer that you are skilled and qualified in both a computer-technical type of skill set as well as the verbal communication skills. So, as a college student or recent graduate, it's absolutely essential that you're equipped with a detailed idea of what your future employer requires of you.The first thing you should do is think about what software skills you have an ability to utilize. For example, if you're a marketing and advertising student, but not a writer, then the best thing you can do is to take some writing courses, and get some book editing or marketing writing experience. You may want to look into professional writin g classes, as these can help you develop your writing chops, and make sure you're knowledgeable about any professional writing or editing skills that you may not have.If you have any other skill sets, your next thought may be to look into what software skills should I put on my resume for a technical writing job. It's always good to get more experience, as your resume is all about your skill set. For example, if you have a great sense of music, you could take some instruction and practice it in a formal setting. If you have some business administration experience, you could look into doing contract writing jobs, and figure out how to qualify for it, and then where to apply.So the next thing you should do is consider what software skills should I put on my resume for a technical writing job. Of course, you should also have some type of experience, such as book editing or book writing. So then, your next question would be 'how do I go about getting experience, without having to apply for a position?'First of all, there are many different ways you can use to learn and develop your skills in both writing and software, in order to present a more comprehensive answer to what software skills should I put on my resume for a technical writing job. One way is to get a job as a technical writer, and then work your way up from there. This is one way that a lot of students start their career as a professional technical writer. However, there are many other ways that you can go about it.You can write for local or national publications, which will give you more exposure, but you won't be able to get employment until you're published, which may take many years. Other ways that you can learn to write and software skills, are to join online groups that discuss the topic of the day, and then work your way up to being a member. You can use the networking resources that exist, to get started, and build your professional network.Once you have developed your skills in both writing a nd software, you can consider where you want to go with it, and what kind of career you'd like to have. You can take a job or pursue a freelance basis, and then find clients to work with. You can become a full-time writer, or a part-time writer, and you can find a combination of the two jobs.Whatever type of technical writing you decide to do, you should really think about what software skills should I put on my resume for a technical writing job. I hope this information has been helpful, and that you feel like you're on the right track, with your career. Good luck!

Ask the Recruiter Part One

Ask the Recruiter Part One During the month of January, I will be interviewing recruiters each Monday to ask some of the questions job seekers want answers to. My first interview was with  Allen Geller,  Managing Director of  Raines International,  a premier retained executive search firm in New York City.  What is your biggest interview pet peeve and why?  People who are very long-winded and entirely too detail oriented during their interview. Remember, you have two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you speak.What is your biggest resume pet peeve and why? No months on the resume with dates of employment. Then the candidate doesnt remember the months. I think it was warm, so it must have been the summer. It is your life and your career. At best you look unprepared and at worst you may come off as if you are trying to hide something.If someone has a gap in their chronology, how do you recommend they deal with that issue on their resume? I always tell the truth because I am not smart enough to remember what I said to everyone. In more simple language, you will be fired if you misrepresent yourself. Be honest about what happened, and put your spin on it first, otherwise your credibility will be stretched.What level of follow up do you expect from your job applicants? How much is too much?  Persistence is important, but being a pest just doesnt work. I believe follow-up via telephone and/or email are important, but candidates need to be careful not to overdo it. Candidates should ask about the entire process and anticipated timing at the end of the interview when the interviewer asks, Do you have any other questions? Take your cues from the answer.

At the chaordic conference - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

At the chaordic conference - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog I just hosted a session at the chaordic conference here in Aarhus. I talked about the practice of chaordic organizations, based on my experiences from Enterprise Systems, Arena and the happy at work project. I set myself the challenge of doing the presentation based solely upon practices what is it that we do (or did) in these chaordic organizations. No values, no principles, no beliefs just hardcore actual practices that will help a chaordic organization emerge. Not that these are the only practices that will support chaordism (chaordicity?), theyre whats worked for me. This also gave me a chance to think about what the practices are, and heres what I came up with: Open space meetings This is the backbone of the organization. Regular meetings which are open to the whole organizaton, This is where big decisions get made, and where responsibility gets delegated. Workgroups This is where the actual work gets done. Each workgroup is defined at the open space meeting, and then goes and does the work. A workgroup may have a budget and a charter, and as long as they stay within that, they dont need to ask permission they can do what they want. If they need to exceed what was decided at the ope space meeting, they must ask for permission to do so at the nect open space meeting. Workgroups are open to anyone whod like to participate. Wiki Since decision making and work is distributed among meny people, its important to have a place to centralize information. We use a wiki site for this. If you dont know what that is, you can read more about it here. Each ongoing project has a wiki-page with all the relevant information, and the names of the people working on it, so you can contact them if you have any questions. Try it! In a distributed organization, its very important to cultivate an attitude of Try it!, meaning that when decisions are made, you dont need to analyze everything. Rather than planning for three months and then coming out with the perfect plan, you can outline some alternatives and then decide to try one. It may not work, but then you can try something else. No decisions are set in stone, if something doesnt work, well do it differently. Yes, and Yes, and is a very powerful method for meeting other people. It means saying Yes to new ideas and then adding your own input. Its about not automatically saying no, which can otherwise be very tempting. You can read more about it here. In my experience, these are the practices that have led to a chaordic organization. The big advantages of these organizations has been that they are: Alive people are enthusiastic and energetic Efficient Stuff gets done fast and well, because people work on the stuff they like Dynamic They can adapt to different situations Fun Theyre great places to be! Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related